NHRA Story » Catch the Seattle Countdown drama on ESPN2 channels

NHRA 101: Your Guide to NHRA Drag Racing

In basic terms, a drag race is an acceleration contest between two vehicles over a measured distance, but what is a holeshot? Or a breakout? Welcome to NHRA 101, your complete guide to the world of NHRA Drag Racing, from the terminology of the sport to what you need to enjoy a day at the races to info on the many different vehicles that take to the track during a race weekend.
NHRA.com Features and Columns

There's more to drag racing than just two cars streaking down the strip. NHRA.com has a wide assortment of regular columns, including the DRAGSTER Insider -- in which ND Editor Phil Burgess treats you to "the stories behind the stories" from yesterday and today -- exclusive Driver Blogs that take you into the homes and trailers of the sport's top stars, and the NHRA.com Notebook. From this area, you also can access previous Special Sections, including special-edition websites and blogs as well as memorial pages.
Meet the Stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Series

Want more information on your favorite NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series drivers? NHRA.com has full bios on all the series regulars, including major accomplishments, best runs, hobbies, and more, plus team and driver website addresses and contact information in the fan-club sections.
Watch NHRA Drag Racing on TV

All 24 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events feature same-day television coverage on ESPN2 of the Professional-class action with play-by-play from motor racing veteran Dave Rieff and expert color commentary by former Top Fuel and Funny Car racer Mike Dunn. ESPN2 also offers coverage of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. NHRA Drag Racing also is aired in Canada on TSN.
The Sights and Sounds of NHRA Drag Racing

NHRA.com offers a wide array of multimedia features for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of NHRA Drag Racing. With video clips and photos from the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, the popular National Dragster Photo of the Week, and a gallery of .wav files for your computer, there's lots to see and hear in NHRA Multimedia.
Get Your Official NHRA Apparel and Merchandise

A wide range of NHRA-themed items is available for purchase online. The NitroMall is your one-stop spot for official NHRA merchandise, products from some of the teams of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, and more. The NHRA Store is the place to join NHRA and purchase specialty items and DVDs, and the NHRA Museum Store has items to satisfy history buffs, from vintage T-shirts to historical books.

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Catch the Seattle Countdown drama on ESPN2 channels

Friday, August 03, 2012

The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series makes the third and final stop on the historic Western Swing this weekend at Pacific Raceways in Seattle for the 25th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries.

In Sonoma, the battles for the final spots in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship heated up. With only three races remaining in the regular season, the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series has plenty of drama, and the story continues in the beautiful Northwest.

Catch all the action from this weekend’s event on ESPN2/ESPN2HD beginning with qualifying on Saturday, Aug. 4, at 10:30 p.m. ET. Sunday’s race-day coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN2HD.

Here’s what viewers can expect when they tune in this weekend:

Only three races remain before the start of the Countdown, and the pressure is on several drivers, including in Funny Car, defending world champion Matt Hagan (12th), Tim Wilkerson (11th), John Force (10th), and Bob Tasca III (ninth). In Top Fuel, a first-round loss by Bob Vandergriff Jr. has him in a precarious position, the 10th and final spot. Clay Millican, who sits 11th, gained in Sonoma and is only four points out of 10th. In Pro Stock, only 10 points separate the four drivers ranked ninth through 11th. Who will head into the last two races of the regular season in a position to lock in the final spot in the playoffs?

Top Fuel driver Antron Brown has won the first two races on the Swing and is trying to become the first driver in NHRA history to sweep the Swing twice, having accomplished the feat in 2009. Allen Johnson in Pro Stock has his eyes set on becoming the second driver in the category to sweep the Swing; only Greg Anderson has done it. This marks the first time in 10 years that two drivers have a chance to sweep the Western Swing going into the final race.

Wilkerson has won the last three races in Seattle in Funny Car, and another victory there would significantly boost his chances to get into the playoffs. This week’s Prestone Ask the Expert question is for Wilkerson. Email your question to NHRA’s Facebook page, and it may be picked to air during Sunday’s telecast on ESPN2.

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